it was the time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was the time when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific period in the past when certain events or situations occurred. Example: "It was the time when we first met and everything seemed perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was the time when Hollywood almost died of shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was the time when the world was coming together.

The New York Times

"It was the time when Morgan Stanley made a bid for SG Warburg [in 1994].

The Guardian

It was the time when the conservation of energy was established and the mechanical equivalent of heat demonstrated.

Britannica

"It was the time when they went outdoors to relieve themselves in the fields before men started appearing.

The Guardian

"I can't get over the fact that it was the time when we were all broken up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Lifetime: It's the time when the first node exhausts its energy.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is the time when the sun is descending from its peak in the sky to somewhat before its terminus at the horizon in the west.

Wikipedia

It is the time when ideas happen.

The Guardian - Books

It's the time when every slum is gone..."....

The New Yorker

It's the time when every slum is gone..."...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity, ensure the context clearly establishes the specific time frame being referenced. Instead of just saying "it was the time when", provide additional details or context to help the reader understand the period you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was the time when" without providing sufficient context or specific details about the time period. Be sure to clarify the events, circumstances, or characteristics that define that specific time. For example, avoid generalities and specify if you are referring to "it was the time when personal computers began to revolutionize homes and offices."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was the time when" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a main clause to a subordinate clause that specifies a particular period. It establishes a temporal context for the events or conditions described in the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was the time when" serves as a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a specific period or event. As shown by Ludwig, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media sources and generally maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide array of writing contexts. While alternatives exist to provide different nuances or levels of formality, understanding the core function of this phrase is crucial for effective communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and sufficiently detailed to avoid vagueness, maximizing the phrase's impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was when

Replaces "it was the time" with "that was", offering a slightly more concise and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

it happened when

Focuses on the occurrence of an event, substituting 'the time' with 'happened', shifting the emphasis to the event itself.

it marked the era when

Emphasizes a longer period rather than a specific moment, replacing "time" with "era" for a broader historical context.

those were the days when

Introduces a nostalgic tone, suggesting a past time that is remembered fondly.

back when

Offers a very informal and concise way to refer to a past period, suitable for casual conversation.

during the period that

Provides a more formal and academic alternative, suitable for historical or analytical writing.

at that point

Refers to a specific moment in the past, replacing the more general "time" with "point" for increased specificity.

it all started when

Highlights the beginning of a series of events, indicating the initiating moment.

the occasion when

Emphasizes a particular event or instance, rather than a continuous period.

it all unfolded when

Highlights the unfolding of events during a particular period, offering a narrative tone.

FAQs

How can I use "it was the time when" in a sentence?

Use "it was the time when" to introduce a period marked by specific events or conditions. For example, "It was the time when the internet became widely accessible" sets the stage for discussing the impact of the internet's rise.

What are some alternatives to "it was the time when"?

You can use alternatives like "that was when", "it happened when", or "during the period that" to vary your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is "it was the time when" formal or informal?

"It was the time when" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, from news articles to personal narratives. More formal alternatives, such as "during the period that", exist for academic or professional writing.

How can I avoid being too vague when using "it was the time when"?

To avoid vagueness, follow "it was the time when" with specific details or characteristics that define the period you're referencing. For example, instead of saying "It was the time when things were different", specify "It was the time when personal computers began to revolutionize homes and offices".